Christmas Box program exceeds goals

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - It's not exactly a Christmas miracle, but it is an example of how generous people can be this time of year.

At the Maine Home for Little Wanderers in Waterville donations for its Christmas Box program were way down. With deadline fast approaching for the boxes to be distributed things were looking bleak.

"We were struggling to even get the basic items into those boxes because of a lack of inventory, so we were really worried", said Christen Sawyer, the program's director.

Part of the problem was the super storm Sandy. Organizers were expecting some items from groups in New York and New Jersey. When the storm hit they turned their attention to helping out organizations closer to home.

So a call for help went out to the community here and boy did people respond. As recipients showed up in Augusta to collect their Christmas boxes on Thursday, everyone one of the containers was filled.

It is not easy to ask for help. But when you have a 2-year old son and you haven't been able to find work for 2-years, you do what you have to do.

"It is hard times. People are losing jobs every day and it's not easy to find a new one, so this helps. Helps alleviate some of the pressure at least towards the kids because it would be a bummer not having a Christmas and being a child", said Sara Chase of Gardiner.

Chase is very grateful for the Christmas Box program that the Maine Home for Little Wanderers has been putting on for years. The program provides 16-hundred children across Maine with a gift box containing warm clothing, books and toys.

The goal of the program was actually exceeded this year. Because of the outpouring of support and generosity, 60-additional families are being helped out this Christmas season.